Capitol Rioters Walk Free, Find Refuge At Cudd’s Retreat

Convicted criminals from January 6 received President Donald Trump’s pardon on January 20, 2025.

More than 1,500 participants of the insurrection faced criminal charges which were all pardoned by Trump during the President’s first day in office. Jenny Cudd, who was a participant in the Capitol Attack, was released after serving a sentence of two months on probation. She is working to “Help Rebuild Lives: Support the Re-entry of January 6th Prisoners.”

Cudd is now responsible for coming up with a “comprehensive” program, a project which intends to implement a place of sanctuary situated on Cudd’s property for the attackers “who deserve better.”

“I say everybody deserves a second chance,” Cudd told CNN. “Everybody deserves healing and restoration in their life,” she added.

Among the January 6 rioters who were convicted in the first place and later released by order of President Trump were previously reported by Sky News and US News & Business:

• Enrique Tarrio: As the leader of the Proud Boys, Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy for orchestrating plans to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election. He was serving a 22-year prison sentence prior to his pardon.
  
• Stewart Rhodes: Founder of the Oath Keepers, Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in planning the attack on the Capitol. He was serving an 18-year sentence before his release.
  
• Richard “Bigo” Barnett: Barnett gained notoriety for being photographed with his foot on a desk in then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the riot. He was sentenced to 54 months in prison before receiving a pardon.
  
• Joseph Biggs: A prominent member of the Proud Boys, Biggs was convicted of seditious conspiracy and received a 17-year prison sentence prior to his pardon.
  
• Kelly Meggs: Serving as the Florida leader of the Oath Keepers, Meggs was convicted of seditious conspiracy and was sentenced to 12 years in prison before his pardon.

The list represents only a small fraction of the far-right Capitol attackers who are exclusively invited to the restoration retreat.

In an interview with Daily Mail, Cudd said, “We are interested in criminal reform because we have experienced it. It’s one of the blessings of January 6. I’m passionate about it now…I’ve been through the process.” 

When asked about the program’s intended results, Cudd specified that the retreat’s purpose aims to foster healing, wellness, and wholeness in body, soul, and spirit.

Cudd hopes the rioters who join the retreat will heal after a three-month stay, or perhaps a longer one.

The members will have access to doctors and mental health counseling. Additionally, new employment will be offered to support them in their transition back to a life after incarceration.